Uganda

Small, beautiful, and home to an extraordinary range of languages and cultures, Uganda is the source of the White Nile and an ideal safari tour location. It is also one of the last refuges of the rare mountain gorilla, and houses the Mountains of the Moon, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and much of the northern shores of Lake Victoria.

A Uganda safari offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for gorilla trekking. The dense forests and mist-covered mountains in the southwest of the country are home to more than half the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Besides the gorilla trekking highlights, Uganda is also a haven for chimpanzees, found in the Kibale Forest, Kyambura Gorge and Budongo Forest.. 

Uganda, often called “The Pearl of Africa,” offers a captivating blend of Gorilla tekking and savannah safaris in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison falls national park With good connections to Kenya it is also possible to combine gorilla trekking with the Masai Mara, combining some of Africa’s major bucket-list wildlife experiences in one itinerary; gorillas, chimpanzees and the Great Migration. 

 

More Reasons To Go On a Uganda Safari 

Uganda’s Avian Symphony: A Kaleidoscope Of Feathers  

Nestled in the heart of Africa, Uganda unfurls its vibrant avian tapestry. With over 1,000 species, this lush land is a haven for birdwatchers. Its secret lies in its strategic position—bridging the East African savannahs, West African rainforests, and the northern semi-desert. Here, endemic Fox’s weaver and Ruwenzori Bouble-collared Sunbird dance alongside 150 unique species found nowhere else in East Africa. The elusive shoebill is a prehistoric-looking giant that graces Uganda’s wetlands. Its massive bill, like a sculpted shoe, emerges from the papyrus. A sighting of this avian relic is whispered among birders like a sacred chant. From November to April, as migratory birds sweep through, Uganda’s skies echo with their symphony—a timeless ode to nature’s grandeur. 

Kibale Forest: A Primate Paradise 

Tucked into Uganda’s heart, Kibale forest thrives as a haven for primate enthusiasts. With an astounding 13 primate species, this lush sanctuary beckons explorers. Chimpanzee tracking unveils their secrets, while the Virunga Mountains await those seeking the elusive golden monkey. Step into their enchanting realm, where nature’s symphony plays on ancient branches.  

Encounter a silverback deep in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on a thrilling trek.

Warm welcomes and vibrant culture from the communities surrounding Bwindi Forest.

Lock eyes with chimpanzees in the dense jungles of Kibale National Park.

Explore lush, untouched rainforest paths winding through Uganda’s national parks.

Seek out the rare shoebill stork in the wetlands of Mabamba Swamp.

Spot the famous tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The view looking over the treetops of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Catch a colobus monkey lounging in the treetops of Uganda’s tropical forests.

Elephants roam Uganda’s savanna parks, often accompanied by cattle egrets.

Glimpse young gorillas learning forest life in Uganda’s misty mountain havens.

Savour Spectacular Scenery  

Uganda is home to the world’s second-largest freshwater lake, the source of the Nile, the mightiest waterfall, and Africa’s tallest mountain range. Known for it’s spectacular scenery, Uganda’s landscape is enchanting, from the Great Rift Valley basin to the magical rainforests of Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park. The Rwenzori Mountains, the crown jewel, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers breathtaking vistas of waterfalls, lakes, rivers, glaciers, and forests.  

Tree-Climbing Lion 

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the country’s premier destination for classic game viewing. One of the most biologically diverse parks in the world, it offers sightings of elephant, hippo, crocodile, buffalo, and various antelope species, to name a few. However, the famous tree-climbing lion that call the park ‘home’ undoubtedly steal the limelight.

 

Uganda Safari Tours 

Mountain gorilla trekking is undoubtedly the ultimate adventure in the mist-shrouded forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. With racing hearts and treading softly, you can encounter gorilla families embraced by their natural habitat, an immeasurable privilege.  

To complement this primate experience, Kibale National Park, a verdant haven, invites you to join its lively residents—the chimpanzees. Trek through tangled vines, listen to raucous calls and witness their playful antics. It’s a dance with our closest relatives. 

Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls national parks offer exciting savannah safaris. Elephant, buffalo, Ugandan kob (an endemic antelope species), zebra and lion are all found in these plains and forests. Boating safaris on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth national park and on the Nile in Murchison Falls National Park offer a wonderful perspective for birding as well as watching hippos and crocodiles.  

Uganda’s landscapes are poetry etched in green, from rice paddies and lush forests to the dramatic glacier-covered Rwenzori Mountains to the west. To the south, visitors can explore the Mabamba swamp in search of shoebill stork and adventure seekers can go white water rafting on the Nile at Jinja. Uganda’s allure extends far beyond its gentle giants.